India and Morocco have signed an MoU in Rabat to enhance defence cooperation. This includes cooperation in joint exercises, training, maritime security, and cyber defence. India opened a new Defence Wing in Rabat, and both countries agreed to increase opportunities for co-development and co-production in the defence industry.
MoU on defence sector: The Defence Ministers of India and Morocco, Rajnath Singh and Abdelatif Loudiyi, signed an MoU on Monday in Rabat to enhance defence cooperation. This agreement will strengthen collaboration in joint exercises, training, maritime security, and cyber defence. Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new Defence Wing at the Indian Embassy in Rabat and emphasized increasing co-development, co-production in the defence industry, and exchanges between the armed forces.
MoU for Defence Cooperation
According to the Ministry of Defence, the MoU signed between the two countries provides a concrete framework to strengthen the growing strategic partnership between India and Morocco. Under this, avenues for cooperation in the defence industry, joint exercises, military training, and capacity building have opened up. This deal will prove to be a milestone in further strengthening India's defence sector in the coming times.
Joint Training and Exchange Programs
The Defence Ministers of both countries expressed their intention to further deepen the long-standing friendship between India and Morocco. They agreed to develop a roadmap for counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and expert exchanges. Additionally, emphasis was placed on increasing exchanges between the armed forces and supporting training programs.
Co-development and Technology in Defence Industry
Rajnath Singh highlighted the capabilities of the Indian defence industry in Rabat. He stated that Indian companies are proficient in several advanced capabilities, including drone and counter-drone technology, and can meet Morocco's defence requirements. Both countries also discussed the need to explore opportunities for co-development and co-production in the defence sector.
Maritime and Cyber Security
India and Morocco underlined the importance of multilateral cooperation to tackle global and regional security challenges. Both countries emphasized the need for closer coordination in maritime security, given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and Atlantic corridors.
Milestone for Defence
Rajnath Singh also extended a formal invitation to Morocco's Defence Minister, Abdelatif Loudiyi, to enhance defence cooperation in India. The Ministry of Defence described this as a significant milestone in the India-Morocco defence relationship. This step clearly demonstrates the growing partnership between the strategic interests of both countries.
Both Morocco and India are maritime nations. Morocco has a unique geographical location with access to both the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans. India-Morocco relations date back to the 14th century when the famous traveler Ibn Battuta visited India. Today, joint working groups from both countries meet regularly to further strengthen bilateral relationships.
